Multiracial Therapists in Valley Village, CA
Nicole Akhrem, Teen Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
10 Endorsed
Valley Village, CA 91607
If your teen seems withdrawn, anxious, struggling with relationships, overwhelmed by school, suddenly acting out, or constantly caught in conflict at home, it can be difficult to know how to help.
I work with adolescents as they navigate life's challenges, move towards goals, and strengthen both identity and relationships.
As a child of immigrants, I also understand how much our cultural backgrounds can influence our emotional lives. I approach all families with curiosity rather than a purely Western lens.
Other areas of focus include complex trauma, people-pleasing, process addictions, and codependency.
If your teen seems withdrawn, anxious, struggling with relationships, overwhelmed by school, suddenly acting out, or constantly caught in conflict at home, it can be difficult to know how to help.
I work with adolescents as they navigate life's challenges, move towards goals, and strengthen both identity and relationships.
As a child of immigrants, I also understand how much our cultural backgrounds can influence our emotional lives. I approach all families with curiosity rather than a purely Western lens.
Other areas of focus include complex trauma, people-pleasing, process addictions, and codependency.
My ideal clients are adults, couples, fathers, and men navigating trauma, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, life transitions, or a loss of direction. Many come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or caught in patterns they want to change. I offer a compassionate, depth-oriented approach that helps clients understand the roots of their struggles, strengthen emotional awareness, improve relationships, and move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.
My ideal clients are adults, couples, fathers, and men navigating trauma, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, life transitions, or a loss of direction. Many come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or caught in patterns they want to change. I offer a compassionate, depth-oriented approach that helps clients understand the roots of their struggles, strengthen emotional awareness, improve relationships, and move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Updated:10/2/25 I believe that people want a life full of joy, challenge and deep connection with their loved ones and larger community. Unfortunately, many of us desire those qualities of life-but have trouble accessing them in the moment. I am here to encourage you to explore your joy, challenge areas where you struggle to connect and create a path to a life that is full of resonance and enthusiasm. If your goal is to address issues related to society and culture or have someone who deeply understands alternative lifestyles, those are my favorite types of clients. You can rely on my approach to be practical, candid and relatable.
Updated:10/2/25 I believe that people want a life full of joy, challenge and deep connection with their loved ones and larger community. Unfortunately, many of us desire those qualities of life-but have trouble accessing them in the moment. I am here to encourage you to explore your joy, challenge areas where you struggle to connect and create a path to a life that is full of resonance and enthusiasm. If your goal is to address issues related to society and culture or have someone who deeply understands alternative lifestyles, those are my favorite types of clients. You can rely on my approach to be practical, candid and relatable.
Couples & Premarital Intensives in Los Angeles: You are thoughtful, self-aware and successful in many areas of your life - and still you find your relationship stuck in the same painful patterns - arguments, misunderstandings, less affection, less intimacy. Many of the couples I work with have already tried to talk things through. They've read the books, asked ChatGPT, and even tried therapy before. Despite the effort, things aren't shifting. Our work begins here. We focus on the foundations that allow for a relationship to hold in real life. This is structured, intentional work. Not open-ended, weekly therapy.
Couples & Premarital Intensives in Los Angeles: You are thoughtful, self-aware and successful in many areas of your life - and still you find your relationship stuck in the same painful patterns - arguments, misunderstandings, less affection, less intimacy. Many of the couples I work with have already tried to talk things through. They've read the books, asked ChatGPT, and even tried therapy before. Despite the effort, things aren't shifting. Our work begins here. We focus on the foundations that allow for a relationship to hold in real life. This is structured, intentional work. Not open-ended, weekly therapy.
You try so hard to get things right, but no matter how hard you try, there always seems to be something you forgot or a mistake you've made. You’re often left feeling disappointed and dissatisfied at the end of the day because you feel you should have done more. A lot of your time and energy is spent on work, which leaves you feeling exhausted and drained. Even on the days you aren’t working, you still feel tired and unmotivated. You’ve been told by others that you’re just being lazy or you aren’t trying hard enough. So you’re constantly overexerting yourself and feeling burned out because you believe your best isn’t good enough.
You try so hard to get things right, but no matter how hard you try, there always seems to be something you forgot or a mistake you've made. You’re often left feeling disappointed and dissatisfied at the end of the day because you feel you should have done more. A lot of your time and energy is spent on work, which leaves you feeling exhausted and drained. Even on the days you aren’t working, you still feel tired and unmotivated. You’ve been told by others that you’re just being lazy or you aren’t trying hard enough. So you’re constantly overexerting yourself and feeling burned out because you believe your best isn’t good enough.
You may be highly capable, insightful and self-aware—and still find yourself struggling with patterns you can't seem to change. Many of my clients have already done therapy, read the books and understand themselves remarkably well. They're looking for something deeper.
I specialize in working with adults navigating ADHD and neurodivergence, trauma and recurring relationship patterns. My approach integrates Depth/Jungian Psychology with relational, somatic and experiential therapies to help us work not only with what you consciously understand, but with the deeper emotional and unconscious patterns shaping your life.
You may be highly capable, insightful and self-aware—and still find yourself struggling with patterns you can't seem to change. Many of my clients have already done therapy, read the books and understand themselves remarkably well. They're looking for something deeper.
I specialize in working with adults navigating ADHD and neurodivergence, trauma and recurring relationship patterns. My approach integrates Depth/Jungian Psychology with relational, somatic and experiential therapies to help us work not only with what you consciously understand, but with the deeper emotional and unconscious patterns shaping your life.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I work with children, families, and individuals who want to better understand how relationships, life experiences, and family systems shape emotional wellbeing. I support children who may be struggling with big emotions, behavioral challenges, or adjusting to changes at home or school.
I also work with parents who want guidance in supporting their child while strengthening the connection within their family. For individuals, therapy can be a space to explore relationship patterns, family dynamics, and personal challenges that may be impacting how you experience yourself and others.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I work with children, families, and individuals who want to better understand how relationships, life experiences, and family systems shape emotional wellbeing. I support children who may be struggling with big emotions, behavioral challenges, or adjusting to changes at home or school.
I also work with parents who want guidance in supporting their child while strengthening the connection within their family. For individuals, therapy can be a space to explore relationship patterns, family dynamics, and personal challenges that may be impacting how you experience yourself and others.
More Therapists Nearby
Are you a high-achieving executive or creative professional whose drive brings both fulfillment and added complexity to relationships, work, and daily life? Do you carry a level of pressure, anxiety, or longing that others don’t fully understand?
I offer a discreet, reflective space to explore the complexities of ambition, purpose, and relationships. Together, we’ll address stresses and recurring patterns and develop practical, personalized strategies, using cognitive and psychodynamic approaches, to support greater balance, clarity, and a more integrated sense of fulfillment across your personal and professional life.
Are you a high-achieving executive or creative professional whose drive brings both fulfillment and added complexity to relationships, work, and daily life? Do you carry a level of pressure, anxiety, or longing that others don’t fully understand?
I offer a discreet, reflective space to explore the complexities of ambition, purpose, and relationships. Together, we’ll address stresses and recurring patterns and develop practical, personalized strategies, using cognitive and psychodynamic approaches, to support greater balance, clarity, and a more integrated sense of fulfillment across your personal and professional life.
As a person of mixed heritage, I also welcome clients exploring identity, culture, belonging, and the experience of living between worlds.
I work with high-achieving individuals who are curious about themselves and their relationships. Clients who want to uncover unconscious patterns and beliefs and get to the root of the problem, rather than just find ways to manage their symptoms. Together, we will process unresolved emotions and gain insight that will free you to live a life of your choosing, authentically, and with greater satisfaction and ease.
As a person of mixed heritage, I also welcome clients exploring identity, culture, belonging, and the experience of living between worlds.
I work with high-achieving individuals who are curious about themselves and their relationships. Clients who want to uncover unconscious patterns and beliefs and get to the root of the problem, rather than just find ways to manage their symptoms. Together, we will process unresolved emotions and gain insight that will free you to live a life of your choosing, authentically, and with greater satisfaction and ease.
If you're unsure your next step or just need to process where you're at right now in life, I can support with exploring and untangling your own thoughts so you can clearly see how you are feeling, what you want to do and where you want to go.
If you're unsure your next step or just need to process where you're at right now in life, I can support with exploring and untangling your own thoughts so you can clearly see how you are feeling, what you want to do and where you want to go.
Whether you are an athlete striving for peak performance, a student-athlete balancing school and sport, or a leader navigating a high-stakes environment—the pressure to succeed can often turn into performance anxiety, intense self-criticism, and burnout. You don’t have to push through it, and certainly, not alone.
I’m Dr. Shane, a licensed psychologist specializing in sport psychology, athlete mental health, and high-performer wellness. My goal is simple: to provide a grounded, supportive space where you can build genuine confidence, emotional resilience, and sustainable success without sacrificing your well-being in the process.
Whether you are an athlete striving for peak performance, a student-athlete balancing school and sport, or a leader navigating a high-stakes environment—the pressure to succeed can often turn into performance anxiety, intense self-criticism, and burnout. You don’t have to push through it, and certainly, not alone.
I’m Dr. Shane, a licensed psychologist specializing in sport psychology, athlete mental health, and high-performer wellness. My goal is simple: to provide a grounded, supportive space where you can build genuine confidence, emotional resilience, and sustainable success without sacrificing your well-being in the process.
Do you look like you “have it all together” but still feel anxious, restless, or stuck inside? Maybe your mind won’t slow down, sleep is hard to come by, or you keep falling into the same relationship patterns that leave you drained. You may feel like you’re constantly people-pleasing or holding back your true voice. Therapy can help you break free from these cycles, quiet racing thoughts, and learn how to set healthy boundaries. Together, we’ll create space for you to feel calmer, more confident, and more at ease in your own skin.
Do you look like you “have it all together” but still feel anxious, restless, or stuck inside? Maybe your mind won’t slow down, sleep is hard to come by, or you keep falling into the same relationship patterns that leave you drained. You may feel like you’re constantly people-pleasing or holding back your true voice. Therapy can help you break free from these cycles, quiet racing thoughts, and learn how to set healthy boundaries. Together, we’ll create space for you to feel calmer, more confident, and more at ease in your own skin.
Hard times make strong people. As a mixed-race therapist with ADHD, I understand the complexities of living with visible and invisible challenges, including anxiety and depression. Here, vulnerability is not just welcomed; it is celebrated as the catalyst for transformation. In this cultivated space, both oasis and crucible, we collaborate to deepen self-trust and create change that is intentional and aligned with the life you are ready to live.
Hard times make strong people. As a mixed-race therapist with ADHD, I understand the complexities of living with visible and invisible challenges, including anxiety and depression. Here, vulnerability is not just welcomed; it is celebrated as the catalyst for transformation. In this cultivated space, both oasis and crucible, we collaborate to deepen self-trust and create change that is intentional and aligned with the life you are ready to live.
You may be successful, accomplished, and deeply capable—the person others rely on, admire, or believe has it all together—while privately feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, unseen, or unsure why something still feels missing. I specialize in working with high-achieving professionals, women in demanding roles, and individuals navigating the quiet emotional weight that often lies behind outward success.
Therapy can provide a space where you no longer need to perform strength, carry everything alone, or minimize your pain simply because you are functioning well. I
You may be successful, accomplished, and deeply capable—the person others rely on, admire, or believe has it all together—while privately feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, unseen, or unsure why something still feels missing. I specialize in working with high-achieving professionals, women in demanding roles, and individuals navigating the quiet emotional weight that often lies behind outward success.
Therapy can provide a space where you no longer need to perform strength, carry everything alone, or minimize your pain simply because you are functioning well. I
I work in a collaborative process with older teens (15+ years old), adults, and couples who are motivated to find their inner voice and know their highest selves. My clients are focused on setting boundaries, assertive and effective communication skills, healthy relationships, self-advocacy, and self-efficacy. My clients can meet weekly, are willing to reflect on sessions outside of the therapeutic hour, and are receptive to occasional homework. I am here to meet you halfway.
I work in a collaborative process with older teens (15+ years old), adults, and couples who are motivated to find their inner voice and know their highest selves. My clients are focused on setting boundaries, assertive and effective communication skills, healthy relationships, self-advocacy, and self-efficacy. My clients can meet weekly, are willing to reflect on sessions outside of the therapeutic hour, and are receptive to occasional homework. I am here to meet you halfway.
If you are struggling with the impacts of PTSD or complex trauma, I believe there is hope for you and I would love to help you with getting free. Having the honor of working with trauma survivors over the past twenty years, I have witnessed how traumatic experiences can impact our whole sense of being- brain, body, nervous system, spirit, and belief system. Since trauma affects so many different layers of our human experience, I believe that trauma healing and recovery need to be multifaceted to help us tend to all of these layers, rather than a one size fits all approach.
If you are struggling with the impacts of PTSD or complex trauma, I believe there is hope for you and I would love to help you with getting free. Having the honor of working with trauma survivors over the past twenty years, I have witnessed how traumatic experiences can impact our whole sense of being- brain, body, nervous system, spirit, and belief system. Since trauma affects so many different layers of our human experience, I believe that trauma healing and recovery need to be multifaceted to help us tend to all of these layers, rather than a one size fits all approach.
I believe that we heal and grow in relationships when we feel a sense of belonging, connection, & presence without judgment. The purpose of therapy is not to fix you—when we allow the unfolding of emotional experiences, it can lead us to the emergence of a deeper understanding of yourself, self-acceptance, authenticity, & connecting to the power and participation you have in relationships. I'm honored to support clients longing for a deeper embodied presence, authentic curiosity, & compassionate understanding of themselves. I strive to co-create an attuned, safe, collaborative space by acknowledging you as the expert in your life.
I believe that we heal and grow in relationships when we feel a sense of belonging, connection, & presence without judgment. The purpose of therapy is not to fix you—when we allow the unfolding of emotional experiences, it can lead us to the emergence of a deeper understanding of yourself, self-acceptance, authenticity, & connecting to the power and participation you have in relationships. I'm honored to support clients longing for a deeper embodied presence, authentic curiosity, & compassionate understanding of themselves. I strive to co-create an attuned, safe, collaborative space by acknowledging you as the expert in your life.
I specialize in neurodiversity-affirming therapy for autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD children, adolescents, adults, and families while also supporting clients navigating anxiety, pregnancy, postpartum, the transition to parenthood, and the complexities of multiracial identity.
My work is warm, relational, and grounded in attachment, neurobiology, mindfulness, expressive arts, somatic practices, narrative therapy, and play. We'll work toward understanding how your brain and nervous system work, honoring your strengths, and finding ways to thrive in environments and systems that weren't designed for your brain.
I specialize in neurodiversity-affirming therapy for autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD children, adolescents, adults, and families while also supporting clients navigating anxiety, pregnancy, postpartum, the transition to parenthood, and the complexities of multiracial identity.
My work is warm, relational, and grounded in attachment, neurobiology, mindfulness, expressive arts, somatic practices, narrative therapy, and play. We'll work toward understanding how your brain and nervous system work, honoring your strengths, and finding ways to thrive in environments and systems that weren't designed for your brain.
I help international/global, domestic nonprofit, post-disaster, Christian workers, and their family members. (I also welcome survivors of the Eaton Fire who believe that we would be a good fit.) Stress, life transitions, adapting to new contexts, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and faith and spirituality concerns (including meaning-making after stressful/traumatic circumstances or persistent guilt or shame, inability to self-forgive, or relational disconnection after having acted against (or not acted according) to your values are all welcome. I'll meet you where you are. Existential angst does not make me squeamish.
I help international/global, domestic nonprofit, post-disaster, Christian workers, and their family members. (I also welcome survivors of the Eaton Fire who believe that we would be a good fit.) Stress, life transitions, adapting to new contexts, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and faith and spirituality concerns (including meaning-making after stressful/traumatic circumstances or persistent guilt or shame, inability to self-forgive, or relational disconnection after having acted against (or not acted according) to your values are all welcome. I'll meet you where you are. Existential angst does not make me squeamish.
Something's not right. You've noticed a shift. That feeling that your child or young adult isn't doing well is a painful one. You've noticed something is wrong, but aren't quite sure what it is. Sometimes it's just a shrug of the shoulder or an anxious countenance, while other times it feels like you're watching the light in them go dim. You've tried talking to your child; however, they just don't seem to be opening up. Memories of them when they seemed more energetic, happy, and even fearless lead you to believe they need help. One thing is for certain: you love your child and want your child to have the support they need.
Something's not right. You've noticed a shift. That feeling that your child or young adult isn't doing well is a painful one. You've noticed something is wrong, but aren't quite sure what it is. Sometimes it's just a shrug of the shoulder or an anxious countenance, while other times it feels like you're watching the light in them go dim. You've tried talking to your child; however, they just don't seem to be opening up. Memories of them when they seemed more energetic, happy, and even fearless lead you to believe they need help. One thing is for certain: you love your child and want your child to have the support they need.
See more therapy options for Valley Village
Nearby Multiracial Therapists Searches for Valley Village
- Beverly Hills
- Burbank
- Century City
- Encino
- Hollywood
- North Hills
- North Hollywood
- Sherman Oaks
- Studio City
- Toluca Lake
- Van Nuys
- West Hollywood
FAQ - About Multiracial Counseling
Why might mixed race or multiracial identity be important to address in therapy?
Mixed race or multiracial identity can shape how you understand yourself and relate to others around you, so it is natural that this identity may be important to speak about in therapy. If you identify as mixed race, you may find it helpful to speak with a therapist about identity, belonging, racism, cultural disconnection, or feeling pressure to “choose” one part of your background over another. A therapist who understands or shares your mixed race identity may be better able to support conversations about your experiences. A shared background may also strengthen the therapeutic alliance, which refers to the working relationship between you and your therapist and is tied to positive therapy outcomes.
How can a mixed race therapist support couples counseling or family therapy?
Like other therapists, mixed race therapists can support couples and families with a broad range of concerns, including communication challenges, conflict, parenting, life transitions, and relationship stress. However, therapists who personally identify as mixed race may be especially helpful when race, culture, or ethnicity are part of the concerns being discussed, such as when partners come from different cultural backgrounds and are navigating differing personal or community expectations. A mixed race therapist may also help couples and families explore how identity shapes each person’s experience in the relationship. Family members, for instance, may not experience race or culture in the same way, even within the same household. Therapy can offer a space to talk through these differences.
How might I inquire about a therapist's experience working with mixed race or multiracial clients?
The initial consultation, which is typically a brief phone or video call, can be a good time to ask about a therapist’s experience working with multiracial clients. You can ask specific questions, such as “Do you have experience working with multiracial clients?” or broader questions, such as “How do you approach cultural identity in your practice?” As sessions begin, it can be helpful to notice how the therapist responds to your concerns. A good therapist should respond with respect, curiosity, and cultural humility. If you feel dismissed or misunderstood, or if you find yourself having to explain your beliefs or cultural context constantly, it may be worth considering another therapist.
Who is included in Psychology Today's directory of mixed race therapists?
The directory of mixed race therapists includes therapists who have shared their mixed race or multiracial identity in their profiles, as well as therapists who indicate that they have extensive experience working with mixed race clients, regardless of their own background. Not all therapists choose to disclose this information on their profile, and these individuals may not appear in search results for this reason.